The two big names in blues born this week are:
Little Walter--Marion Walter Jacobs--the inventor of modern blues harmonica. Played with Muddy Waters before going out on his own. His instrumental, "Juke," changed the way people looked at the harmonica in the blues. He was a pioneer in the use of the chromatic harmonica in the blues. 5/1/1930, Marksville, LA
Blind Willie Mctell--My candidate for King of the 12 String. He played ragtime, straight ahead blues, and slide. His light baritone voice complemented his world weary delivery. Made records in four decades, 20s through the 50s. His most famous song is probably "Statesboro Blues" which was recorded by Taj Mahal and the Allman Brothers. Recently featured in the mystery novel "Dying Crapshooter's Blues." The title came from his song of the same name. 5/5/01, Thompson, GA
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Comments: 11
If not, I'll just remain confused. I'm used to that.
This weekend, I plan on going to a Piedmont Blues festival for a few hours :-)
If you're anywhere close to Greensboro, NC, y'all come!
Grabbed this from the PBPS website:
The Piedmont Blues Preservation Society proudly presents the 21st Annual Carolina Blues Festival returning to downtown Greensboro at Festival Park, next to the Cultural Arts Center o Davie Street, on Saturday, May 5th, 2007.
The PBPS is proud to have its signature event as part of the 4th Annual Piedmont Jazz & Blues Festival. Gates open at 1:00 pm and the Blues will begin at 2:00 pm.
This year's performers are Hubert Sumlin with special guests The Michael Burks Blues Band, Jimmy Thackery & The Drivers, Michael Hill's Blues Mob, Big Rick & The Bombers featuring Adrian Duke, and Bump & Logie.
To learn all the details about this year's Carolina Blues Festival: http://www.piedmontblues.org/sections/litefest/2007/
Piedmont Blues is a term that was invented in the last 30 years or so. In the 1920s people probably called it "Ragtime" or "East Coast." Blind Blake, from Florida, was probably the first player in that style to record. Others who recorded in the 20s include William Moore and the unbelievable Willie Walker, from Virginia, and McTell from Georgia. Buddy Moss, Josh White--yup, that Josh White--Rev Gary Davis, and Blind Boy Fuller were the big names in that style in the 30s.
There were several players from Mississippi and the Memphis area who played in a very similar style. Big Bill Broonzy, Mississippi John Hurt, Furry Lewis, and the amazing Hacksaw Harney all played in the ragtime style.
Robert Lockwood called Harney the best guitar player he'd ever heard. Lockwood was very blunt. He didn't praise anyone unless he really meant it. Harney and his brother played as sidemen on a couple of records in the 30s. Harney was among the people who had a second career in the 60s, playing at folk festivals. He recorded one album, Sweet Man which is currently available on cd, about six months after he suffered a minor stroke. It affected his playing but it gives an idea what he sounded like when he was healthy.